The rate of waste landfilling has decreased.

Over the four years from 2019 to 2023, the amount of waste processed by landfill nationwide decreased by 6%, while waste processed by incineration increased by 7%.

This information was announced by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment at the 2023 Natural Resources and Environment Sector Review Conference, held on the morning of December 31st.

According to the head of the Environmental Pollution Control Department, the amount of solid waste generated daily in Vietnam is currently around 67,100 tons, an increase of nearly 2,500 tons compared to the 2019 National Environmental Status report. Of this, urban areas generate nearly 37,000 tons, an increase of nearly 1,300 tons.

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City account for 23% of the country's total waste and 46% of urban waste.

Nam Son waste treatment plant, Hanoi. Photo: Ngoc Thanh

The current collection rate in urban areas is 95%, and in rural areas 71%. Nationwide, there were over 1,320 solid waste treatment facilities in 2019, which has now increased to over 1,700, including nearly 470 incinerators (an increase of 90) and over 1,200 landfills (an increase of 120).

Three large waste-to-energy plants are currently in operation: the Soc Son waste-to-energy plant with a capacity of 4,000 tons per day, the plant in Can Tho with a capacity of 400 tons, and the plant in Bac Ninh with a capacity of 180 tons.

"The use of incineration for power generation and gasification is expected to increase in the coming years as 15 waste incineration plants are under construction," a representative from the Department of Environmental Pollution Control said, adding that increasing the amount of waste incinerated will reduce the pressure of soil and water pollution in localities.

Leaders of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment acknowledged the commendable results, but noted that the landfill rate remains high, and waste treatment technology in many localities does not yet meet requirements. The implementation of waste treatment projects with modern technology is slow, and some localities are struggling to choose the right technology. Planning for the location of waste treatment plants has also faced opposition from local residents.

The solution proposed by the environmental agency is to mobilize all resources to handle household solid waste by reducing budget support, applying service fees, and gradually adjusting prices to offset the costs of collection and treatment.

Gia Chinh

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